The poetry of discussion

Our Sulzer Regional Library Great Books Discussion Group has been meeting for more than 30 years. Annually, we pick a theme to guide our book selections and discussions. This year's theme is morality. Last year we read books dealing with Chicago history.

Our discussions are led by classics scholar Peter Amberson. Dan Lewickyj selects the books; he also writes and performs an original poem in response to each book we discuss.

What we read

Our favorite books are those with excellent writing. We think good prose is more important than plot, characterization or any sort of political or social agenda.

"The Pillow Book" by Sei Shonagon, "Beowulf" translated by Seamus Heaney, "The Education of Henry Adams" by Henry Adams, "Njal's Saga" by anonymous, and the poetry of Horace.

Hated

Although we admired the journalism in "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, we found the writing to be poor, the characters one-dimensional and the racial stereotypes offensive.

Next up

"Critique of Pure Reason" by Immanuel Kant, "The Anatomy of Melancholy" by Robert Burton, and "The Ring and the Book" by Robert Browning.

We want to profile your book club! If you are in a book club and a member of Printers Row, tell us at printersrow@tribune.com. To enroll your book club in Printers Row, visit chicagotribune.com/printersrow.